Game of Thrones ended its freshman season with quite a bang, didn't it? The show certainly didn't bar anything in introducing us to the fantasy world of Westeros, but now that introductions are done, where do we go from here? Where will the characters that we've come to know and love (or know and hate) go in season two of Game of Thrones? The answers all lie in the second book of the series, A Clash of Kings -- but in case you're still a long way from reading that heavy tome, we've constructed a series of hints about where all your favorite characters will be going next year. Be warned: These hints are slightly spoilery and give some indication of what's on the way for next season. And, if the book is any indication, you won't want to miss an episode of season two. Here's a little hint of where the show is going:
Robb Stark, in the wake of his father's death, will become King in the North. He'll soon find out, though, that being king isn't as easy as he'd like. He spends most of A Clash of Kings being mentioned but rarely seen. However, it's likely that we'll actually get to see some of his battles next time around.
Meanwhile, his mother, Catelyn Stark, will work as one of his most trusted advisors and diplomats, even taking a trip to meet Renly Baratheon, one of Robert's two brothers who have declared themselves kings. While his brother, Stannis Baratheon has the rightful claim to the throne (and won't hesitate to share his evidence), Renly only wants it because he thinks Stannis would make a lousy king. Stannis employs Melisandre, the beautiful and dangerous priestess of a new and mystical religion, to help him fight his many enemies. We'll also meet Davos Seaworth, a former smuggler and Stannis's right-hand man.
We last saw Ned's former ward Theon Greyjoy (pictured right) pledge allegiance to Robb, but after reuniting with his proud warrior family, he begins to doubt that allegiance. The results that follow could put everyone in Winterfell -- Bran Stark, Rickon Stark, Osha, and yes, even Hodor -- into considerable danger. But Bran will also be learning something new about himself that will change the way he looks at his paralysis -- and his direwolf Summer -- forever.
Joffrey Baratheon will continue reigning on the Iron Throne, and will continue abusing Sansa Stark, though his knight Sandor "The Hound" Clegane will continue showing Sansa the subtle kindness as he did in the finale. Cersei Lannister, the Queen Regent, will meanwhile be involved in a power struggle with Tyrion Lannister, who was appointed the Hand of the King by his father, Tywin Lannister. Tyrion sets to work on testing the loyalties of Peter "Littlefinger" Baelish, Grand Maester Pycelle, and Varys. He'll also start working on a secret weapon that will strike fear into the hearts of the Lannisters' enemies.
Jon Snow will go north of the wall, along with Samwell Tarley and most of the major characters we've met from the Night's Watch. Here, he won't only battle the elements; there are wildlings and even darker things to attend to. Jon's storyline is surprisingly small in the book, but it comes to one hell of a cliffhanging conclusion.
Arya Stark will go north with Yoren and the motley crew that includes her for-now enemies Hot Pie and Lommy Greenhands, as well as Gendry, the bastard son of Robert Baratheon who Ned met earlier in season one. Arya will have a tough time keeping her identity -- and her gender -- a secret. She'll also have a tough time keeping away from the three dangerous individuals in Yoren's cart -- Rorge, the noseless one; Biter, the one with sharpened teeth; and Jaqen H'ghar, a man with an ability so dangerous that they force him to wear a massive hood. Arya's storyline is, in my opinion, the best of the book.
And Daenerys Targaryen, having just hatched three baby dragons, will be looking to travel across the Narrow Sea and reclaim her throne. But first, she'll have to overcome many obstacles -- such as her lack of both transport and a Khalasar. She'll also encounter a warlock who offers her entrance into a haunted house, where she will learn many secrets -- if she makes it out alive.
Is your interest piqued enough? It should be. I'm already missing Game of Thrones season one, and I'm ready for season two. If you get to missing Westeros too much, you can (and should) read the books by George R.R. Martin.
Game of Thrones will return in the spring for season 2.
Thanks a lot for that Season 2 Preview! I never can wait for the next episode or chapter of a book so I tend to look online and end up spoiling later plot points, but I thought you did a great job of giving a preview of what's to come without telling any major spoilers.
And wow I think I might have to hold up on reading Clash of Kings right now and go read Game of Thrones instead because up until just now, I had heard a lot about Theon Greyjoy from my friends who have read all of the books so far, but I didn't realize he was already introduced in the plot… Huge failure on my part I'll admit.
This is ace man! I never heard about Game of Thrones until I came across it during a search of top rated TV series for download. I downloaded the entire Season 1 and watched it over 2 days, this is by far the one of the best series I ever came across. I believe I am the first person in my country to watch this…yes, all the way in the Pacific – Fiji Islands.
i watched it in one day and i am hanging for the secong season
Great teaser. Just one thing wrong with it: Sandor Clegane is no knight.
"Sandor Clegane is no knight." haha amazing!
OMG!! love it love it, joffery's leadership shld have been tested atleast.hop season 2 wil have more than 10 episodes.
will this be the season where joffrey dies? hate that kid
unfortunately Joffrey wont die until the next book, A Storm of Swords, he is one nasty little boy. I to look forward to his death
Thanks for the spoiler mate! Some people…
Some people indeed… Screw you, Marie.
Nice spoiler, thanks a lot.
Awesome series ever!!!
and John you are not the first one to watch it in Fiji :)…Theres like a fan club for this series here already…cant wait for Season 2!!!
HBO has stated it will be 10 epsoides again, otherwize they would have to drag it out.. read book most of it is the thoughts of the people, but plenty of content for ten epsoides including lots of battles and action seens, I love arrya part, she quite blood thirsty, espically after her father has been killed, she takes no shit!!!!!
Game of Thrones is by far one of the best series around. Thank you to the author for doing this article, I have been wondering what might happen in season 2. I am also looking forward to the book series, I will look for it later tonight.
I cannot wait until the war scenes in the show. From dragons to a f***ed up little imbred king trying to rule in a corrupt manner.
Cant wait!!!